DEA Drug Fact Sheet: Depressants

Depressants are substances that induce sleep, relieve anxiety and muscle spasms, and prevent seizures.

What are Depressants?

Depressants, often referred to as central nervous system (CNS) depressants, include several groups of drugs:

• Barbiturates: These are older drugs and include butalbital (Fiorina®), phenobarbital, Pentothal®, Seconal®, and Nembutal®. A person can rapidly develop dependence on and tolerance to barbiturates, increasing the likelihood of coma or death.
• Benzodiazepines: Developed to replace barbiturates, these share many side effects, including tolerance and dependence. Examples include Valium®, Xanax®, Halcion®, Ativan®, Klonopin®, and Restoril®. Rohypnol® is a benzodiazepine not manufactured or legally marketed in the U.S., but used illegally.
• Sedative-Hypnotics: Medications like Lunesta®, Ambien®, and Sonata® are approved for the short-term treatment of insomnia and share many properties with benzodiazepines.
• Other CNS Depressants: Includes meprobamate, methaqualone (Quaalude®), and the illicit drug GHB.

Origin and Availability

Generally, legitimate pharmaceutical products are diverted to the illicit market. Common sources for teens include:

• Family medicine cabinets
• Friends and family members
• The Internet, doctors, and hospitals

Common Street Names

Street names for depressants include:

• Barbs, Benzos, Downers, Georgia Home Boy (GHB), Gil, Juice, Liquid X, Ludes, Roofies, Roses, Soapers, Valium, and Yellow Jackets.

Appearance and Methods of Abuse

• Appearance: Depressants come in the form of pills, syrups, and injectable liquids.
• Abuse: They are typically swallowed or injected.

Effects of Use

Effect on the Mind

Depressants are primarily prescribed to:

• Induce sleep and relieve anxiety/muscle spasms.
• Prevent seizures.

Additional psychological effects include:

• Amnesia (leaving no memory of events while under the influence).
• Reduced reaction time and impaired mental functioning/judgment.
• Confusion.
• Long-term Use: Produces psychological dependence and tolerance.

Effect on the Body

Some depressants can relax the muscles. Unwanted physical effects include:

• Slurred speech, loss of motor coordination, and weakness.
• Headache, lightheadedness, blurred vision, and dizziness.
• Nausea, vomiting, low blood pressure, and slowed breathing.

Dependence and Withdrawal: Prolonged use can lead to physical dependence even at recommended doses. Unlike most other drugs, withdrawal from depressants can be life-threatening.

Overdose Effects

High doses of depressants can cause:

• Shallow breathing, clammy skin, dilated pupils, weak and rapid pulse, coma, and possible death.
• While large doses of benzodiazepines are rarely fatal alone, they become deadly when combined with alcohol or other drugs.

Legal Status in the United States

Most depressants are controlled substances ranging from Schedule I to Schedule IV under the Controlled Substances Act, depending on their abuse risk and medical use.

• Rohypnol® and Quaaludes: Have no accepted medical use in the United States and are not legally manufactured or marketed.